Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Lowell and Lorraine have a knack for keeping friendships in the family. "Two of my good friends married two of his brothers," Lorraine says proudly. Lowell raises exotic chickens, while Lorraine likes to cook- but not his chickens! "That's not allowed," she laughs.

_________________________________________________

What is a best friend?

Someone to be there? Acquaintances, even close friends and family members, will walk with you awhile along life's road and then depart, but Proverbs 18:24 says, "A real friend sticks closer than a brother" (NLT). In your spouse, God has blessed you with a friend for life, a traveling companion who will share both panoramic vistas and difficult terrain- and one day celebrate with you the journey's end.

Someone to offer a hand? Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, "If one person falls, the other can reach out and help" (NLT). Your truest friend is the one who offers assistance when you've stumbled into the roadside ditch. A loving spouse will pull you up, affirm your worth, and encourage you to strive ahead.

Someone to talk to? "The pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel" (Proverbs 27:9). Your best friend is the one you want to be with most, the one you choose to talk to first whether the road is smooth or rough, the one with whom you want to share your thoughts and feelings, the one whose opinion and advice you seek.

A best friend is all these. But mostly, according to Proverbs 17:17, it is someone who cares deeply: "A friend loves at all times" (NIV). May your best friend always be your spouse.